Our commitment to open broadband platforms — For several years now, many Googlers have been working to identify the obstacles that prevent the Internet from being available to everyone on the planet. It strikes us as unfair that some people should enjoy such abundant access to this rich resource …

Google dangles $4.6 billion in front of the FCC — Google said Friday that it would bid a minimum of $4.6 billion for the federal government's upcoming wireless spectrum auction-if the Federal Communications Commission creates an open wireless platform. — The wireless spectrum auction …

The Google backlash begins — The Internet search giant is having a rough week — and not just because it missed Wall Street earnings forecast. Business 2.0's Chris Taylor suggests four steps the company should take now to stem the fallout. — (Business 2.0 Magazine) …

Could Facebook Become The Next Microsoft? — Amongst all the noise today over Facebook's acquisition of Parakey, little has been said on what the acquisition means for Facebook in the broader sense. Robert Scoble says that Facebook is the new data black hole, noting that many of his favorite apps are now appearing on Facebook.

Google Lawyer Settles With SEC — David Drummond will pay the Securities and Exchange Commission almost $700,000 to settle their claims against him stemming from his work with a technology training firm. … We used to call this "no blood, no foul" when we played basketball on the playground.

Google exec's past returns with a demand for payment — A top Google executive, David Drummond, has agreed to pay $700,000 to settle a complaint by federal regulators that accused him of helping to misstate the financial results of his previous employer, SmartForce.

EU OKs German online search-engine grant — BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Union on Thursday authorized Germany to give $165 million for research on Internet search-engine technologies that could someday challenge U.S. search giant Google Inc. — The Theseus research project …

Busted: Unreal Engine 3, Half-Baked, Broken and Late? — At Sony's E307 presser, Jack Tretton stood on stage, announced Epic's Unreal Tournament III as a PS3 exclusive and said that Sony was working closely with Epic to "adjust" the Unreal Engine for the PS3 so that it reaches the "best of its potential."

Copyright Board Gives Go Ahead to iPod Levy — The Copyright Board of Canada has released its decision on a series of motions contesting the latest attempt by the Canadian Private Copyright Collective to apply the private copying levy to iPods and removable memory storage cards.

CBS Aims to Spread Web Content — Broadcast Network Targets 400 Sites by Fall — CBS television content will be available through 400 sites on the Internet by the fall, according to executives from the broadcast network's interactive division. — "CBS is al about open, nonexclusive partnerships …

Google kills click to call feature in Google Maps — If you were enjoying the freeness of Google Maps "click to call" feature, we're sorry to tell you this. Click to call has been discontinued, according to a post on the Google Maps Troubleshooting Google Group (say that three times fast)

YouTube: Now With Customizable Player — YouTube has launched a new "custom player" feature that allows users to customize embedded YouTube videos. — Users are able to customize player features including the name of the player, color theme, layout (a standard layout or one with related videos to the right), and content.

Why Nokia Is Leaving Moto in the Dust — Phones for high- and low-end consumers, a great supply chain, and lots of cash—the Finnish company has it all (except the iPhone) — Pop singer Alicia Keys and Ramkishen Pyarelal, proprieter of a Mumbai tea stall, may not have a lot in common.

Digital DNA could finger Harry Potter leaker — A few lines of 'digital DNA' could allow the publishers of Harry Potter to find and finger the person apparently responsible for leaking the final adventures of the boy wizard. — A leaked version of what is claimed to be the latest Harry Potter novel …